John Smith’s Magnet Cup day at York

The meeting gets under way at 1.45 with a tricky handicap over a mile. Trainer David O’Meara saddles three runners including the top weight Anderiego and the popular veteran Smarty Socks. Nine Realms looks set to go off favourite for the combination of William Haggas and Graham Lee.

The John Smith’s Silver Cup at 2.20 sees useful handicappers Montaser and Sun Central take a step up in class. Both were due to run in the Northumberland Plate a fortnight ago but were withdrawn due to soft ground. Sir Graham Wade has hinted at a return to form recently and represents the in-form Mark Johnston stable.

The John Smith’s Magnet Cup is at 2.55 with a field of 20 set to face the starter. Confidence in ante-post favourite Stencive has evaporated since he was given a wide draw and the money has come for Clon Brulee and Niceofyoutotellme.

There has also been interest in a couple of outsiders in Saptapadi and last year’s winner King’s Warrior. Educate has been the subject of an ante-post punt but his ability to stay a mile and a quarter has to be taken on trust.

The City Walls Sprint at 3.30 has extra interest with the return of 2011 Stewards’ Cup winner Hoof It after almost a year off the course. He is joined in the field by veteran Borderlescott and the progressive handicapper Kingsgate Choice.

Richard Fahey’s Bahamian C and Clive Brittain’s Brazos could battle out the finish of the maiden race at 4.05 after finishing second on their racecourse debuts. Kevin Ryan’s The Great Gatsby is rumoured to be a decent sort and could be one for the notebook.

The top weight for the Stayers’ Handicap at 4.40 is the old stager Blue Bajan but he may struggle against the rapidly improving Big Time Billy. The meeting concludes with a tricky little nursery at 5.15 with Mark Johnston’s Lanark taking a step down in grade after running at Royal Ascot.